Manama, Oct. 23 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputised His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), to inaugurate the official opening of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 22-31.

The event witnesses the participation of 45 Asian countries, the largest youth sporting event on the continent.

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC); Timothy Fok Tsun Ting, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA); and officials of the OCA, sports leaders in Asia, representatives of Asian National Olympic Committees, guests and members of the diplomatic corps, were present.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad emphasised that the Kingdom's hosting of the 3rd Asian Youth Games is the result of the vision and care of His Majesty the King, who believes that youth are the cornerstone of national development, in addition to His Majesty's support, which transforms ambition into achievement and vision into reality.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad expressed appreciation for the outstanding support that Bahraini sports receive from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness's continuous directive to make Bahrain a destination for hosting various major championships.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad also commended the vision and efforts of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad, which added a new spirit to the event, as His Highness embodied determination and teamwork and ensured that the tournament was a model of professional organisation and outstanding management.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad said that the occasion is not just a sports celebration but the beginning of a new era for Asia’s youth, one where ambitions come together under the banner of Bahrain. He expressed pride in this unity, wished all participants success, and affirmed that Bahrain would excel in organising the tournament.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, in which he expressed pride in the patronage of His Majesty the King, and expressed gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty the King for his unlimited support for sports in the Kingdom. His Highness also thanked HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his support, and to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad for supporting the Kingdom’s youth.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad said that the event, which gathers over 6,000 athletes from 45 countries, represents Asian unity and shows that sport serves as a bridge between nations and a source of pride for Asia’s youth.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad added that the Asian Youth Games are more than just a competition; they are a platform for discovering and nurturing future Olympic champions who will represent Asia. These young athletes embody hope and leadership for the future, carrying the dreams and ambitions of their peoples toward a brighter sporting future.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad welcomed all attendees and participants, wished them success, and expressed confidence that this edition of the Games would be a landmark in Asian sports history. His Highness highlighted that it reflects Bahrain’s ability to meet challenges and organise a major continental event in record time through the efforts of everyone involved.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad also thanked and expressed appreciation to the OCA for trusting Bahrain with hosting the tournament, and to everyone who contributed to organising this important youth sporting event.

The Vice President of the OCA also delivered a speech, in which he commended the efforts made by the organising committee and the extensive preparations that accompanied the event, culminating in an impressive opening ceremony. He affirmed that the Council's confidence in Bahrain to host this event was well-founded, particularly given the Bahraini team's well-known expertise in the flawless organisation of major championships.

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Deputy Patron, followed by the playing of the national anthem and the raising of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s flag. The proceedings then featured an artistic performance that celebrated Bahraini authenticity and Asian heritage, blending modern technology with the Kingdom’s rich cultural identity. The event also included a traditional Bahraini Ardah performance and a presentation by the Royal Military Band of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF).

The delegations of the participating countries then entered the venue, with the Bahraini delegation receiving a warm welcome from the crowd. Representing the Kingdom, Bahrain’s mixed martial arts and wrestling athlete Abdullah Jamal Ahmed and triathlon athlete Lulwa Tariq Al Dosari proudly raised the national flag. The Bahraini delegation appeared in traditional attire, reflecting the Kingdom’s culture, identity, and rich heritage. The athletes’ oath was then taken by Jannat Sharaf and Saman Al Juhrami, while the referees’ oath was taken by Badr Faraj and Fatima Al Mutawaj.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad then announced the official opening of the 3rd Asian Youth Games. The Olympic torch was then carried through several governorates of the Kingdom, before being officially lit by former Olympic athletics champion Ruqaya Al Ghasra.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad also visited the exhibition accompanying the opening ceremony, organised by the BOC and the Executive Committee of the Games, which highlights Bahrain's historic participation in the Olympic and Asian Games and its achievements in all its participations.

H.K, s.a